Obligations

 Obligations

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4.

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus the apostle Paul tells us we are not only to look out for our own interests but the interests of others. In James 2:14-20, we are encouraged to help those who are in need among us.

I think amid the pandemic we are currently living through, this not only means for followers Christ Jesus to look out for the physical needs of others but also for the health of others. And if that means getting vaccinated we should be doing so. For in doing so we are looking out for the health of those around us.

I found this on the internet and while not of Christian origin I think it expresses something Christians consider.

“The single biggest thing I learned was from an indigenous elder of Cherokee descent, Stan Rushworth, who reminded me of the difference between a Western settler mindset of "I have right" and an indigenous mindset of "I have obligations." Instead of thinking that I am born with rights, I choose to think that I am born with obligations to serve the past, present, and future generations, and the planet herself.” Author unknown

Nowhere in the Bible are Christians given rights. Certainly Paul and the other apostle had no rights under Roman law. Rights are a secular concept evangelical Christians seem to have latched onto.

If we read the bible however we see we do have obligations to God, our family and to those around them.

So that being said, do you honour the obligations you have to God and others?

Please think about it.

Live at Peace

Live at Peace
The Apostle Paul writes,
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19.
The Apostle Paul points out here one of the obligations of a Christian is to “live at peace with everyone”.
In order to live at peace with everyone we need to show Love for God, our neighbour and even our enemy. This is what Jesus told us to do.
Jesus also said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
If you claim to be a Christian you have no right to Judge. The apostle Paul writing,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We have no right to judge those outside the church. Those who are not Christians do not feel they have any right to follow Christian teaching. Nor should we expect them to. For if we expect them to follow our values, however good they are, they have the right to expect us to follow their values and they many not be as good as ours.
That’s why we have no right to judge anyone who is not a Christian. Additionally when we judge those inside the church we I believe can only judge them to see whether or not they are preaching and teaching the word of God correctly.
Our job as Christians is to obey the commandment of Christ when He said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20.
We are to make disciples and teach them all that Christ taught us.
In order to do this we must show love toward them and not judge them. Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, 
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”  Matthew 7:12.
If you claim to be a Christian are you doing this?
Please think about it.